Q: I am married now for 15 years and have two sons. Due to ongoing arguments between us because of my wife's past I want to take time to figure out my thoughts. I don't want to divorce her but heard that if you separate for more than three months the nikkah (marriage) breaks. What is the allowed period of time we can separate? I have no intention to divorce her I just need time to gather my thoughts and calm my mind.

A: A separation of any amount of time does not break the Nikah, even if it is years.

Suggestion: Mutually agree to a stipulated amount of time.
Ensure that all their needs are fulfilled during your separation.
Keep a check on their well-being.
May Allah Ta'aala grant reconciliation, harmony and understanding, Aameen.

Moulana Yusuf Laher

Q: I recently discovered my husband is having an online affair with a Muslim woman he befriended on Facebook. We have agreed to sort things out but I am concerned about my financial position should he decide he wants to leave. We are married many years and I have been working for all those years. My money goes into the household so I have only managed to save with insurance policies. We are married in community of property so I want to know from an Islamic viewpoint, how can I safeguard myself financially. Your advise would be valued and appreciated.

A: This is a difficult situation. we make Du'aa that your marriage stays intact and that Allah Ta'aala grant protection, Aameen.
A few suggestions:
* Ask your husband to transfer the house on to your name entirely.
* Stop contributing towards the house expenses. Let him pay all the bills and you can start saving.
* Note that in the insurance issue, only that money is permissible for you which you have paid in. Any payment over and above that will not be Halaal. Insurance is impermissible in Islam.

Moulana Yusuf Laher

Q: Is it possible that nikah (marriage) be performed with two witnesses?

A: For a Nikah to be valid: Both boy and girl must be Baaligh and sane. The girl must grant her permission to get her married to that particular boy. The boy must accept. At least two witnesses should be present. The two witnesses should also hear the declaration and the acceptance. The witnesses should be two males or one male and two females.

Moulana Yusuf Laher

Q: Did our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam ask his wives permission before taking another wife?

A: Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) received Divine instruction and permission before marrying. The law is that a husband does not require permission from the current wife/wives to marry another.

Moulana Yusuf Laher

Q: Is it permissible to marry if the bride is in her monthly periods?

A: It is permissible to make Nikah to a lady who is in her periods, and the Nikah (marriage) is valid. You may only have a sexual relation with her after the period is over.

Moulana Yusuf Laher

Q: I am 25 years old and in love with a girl. Her father is dead. Her mother is not ready to accept me. She lives with her mother and a sister and her mother's brother. They are not in contact with their father's side. I want to do make Nikah (marriage) with her. Can I make my friend her wali (guardian) and marry her in presence of an Aalim and two witnesses?

A: The marriage will be valid (according to the Hanafi Madhab but not according to the Shaafi'ee Madhab) but it is morally necessary to secure her mothers permission. Marriage without her permission will cause this marriage to be without blessings. Do not become a cause of hurting the feelings of her mother who sacrificed so much for her in bringing her up and rearing her. First win over the heart of the mother.

May Allah Ta'aala make it easy for you, Aameen.

Moulana Yusuf Laher